Beaches, Parks & Gardens
Think “beach day,” Keys-style. Here, sandy stretches pop up in a few special spots, but most water access comes with a twist—limestone rocks, shady mangroves, and clear shallows that feel like your own natural swimming pool. Add in tropical gardens, local parks and playgrounds, and trails perfect for wandering, and you’ve got plenty of ways to play outside. From state parks to secret picnic spots, these listings prove you don’t need miles of sand to enjoy paradise—you just need a sunblock and a little curiosity.
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The Lower Keys
National Key Deer Refuge
National Key Deer Refuge protects the endangered Key deer and native ecosystems in the Lower Florida Keys — a sanctuary of nature you can explore via trails and observation points.
Marathon
Sombrero Beach
Sombrero Beach — Marathon’s palm-lined jewel for swimming, picnicking, and family beach days.
The Lower Keys
Pine Channel Nature Park
Big Pine Key’s scenic park with boardwalks, kayak launch & picnic spots.
Marathon
Children's Rotary Park
Children's Rotary Park in Marathon, Florida, features a wooden playground with slides, tunnels, and themed play structures, plus a picnic pavilion, restrooms, and a dog park.
Islamorada
Green Turtle Hammock Nature Preserve
Peaceful tropical hammock preserve with short trails and bayside views in Islamorada.
Marathon
Marathon's Dog Park
Marathon’s Dog Park offers a safe, off-leash space with separate areas for large and small dogs to play, run, and socialize from dawn to dusk.
Key Largo
Friendship Park
Family-friendly Key Largo park with playgrounds, sports courts, and picnic areas.
Key West
Nelson English Park
Nelson English Park is a neighborhood green space in Key West with fields, shaded areas, and walking paths for casual outdoor fun.
The Lower Keys
Blue Heron Park
Blue Heron Park — a scenic County-run public park in Big Pine Key featuring pickleball courts and waterfront surroundings.
Key West
Fort Zachary Taylor Beach
History and beach at Key West’s iconic Fort Zachary Taylor — snorkel, stroll, sunset.
The Lower Keys
Watson Field Park & Big Pine Key Dog Park
Watson Field Park & Big Pine Key Dog Park — multi-use recreation park with athletic courts and a fenced off-leash dog area on Big Pine Key.
Islamorada
The Banyan Tree Garden Boutique
The Banyan Tree Garden & Boutique — a hidden oasis in Islamorada showcasing tropical gardens, artisan gifts & women’s fashion.
Key West
Clarence S.Higgs Memorial Beach Park
Higgs Beach Park in Key West features sandy beaches, turquoise waters, historic sites like Fort West Martello, a beachside café, a children’s playground, and recreational amenities including snorkeling, kayaking, and tennis.
